The ctrlX CORE controller system used in CIMCORP’s robot solutions combines compact size and lighter weight with Linux-based multicore technology that breaks down the boundaries between embedded system platforms and drive-based technology.
The food industry is booming — especially the fresh food business on the Internet. More and more fresh and processed foods, as well as ready-to-eat meals and convenience products, are being ordered online and must be produced and packaged with speed, efficiency, and tight control of hygienic conditions to maintain food quality.
This calls for ensuring that food and packaging technology is as agile and responsive as the front-end digital Internet technology driving growth. Automation and robot technology are, therefore, increasingly being used in logistics and warehousing for food and packaging companies. However, adding this technology only makes sense if the degree of automation can be adapted to the specific requirements of the company, enables a strong return on investment (ROI), and supports growth strategies.
The newest generation of smart, open automation platforms, like Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX AUTOMATION, combine machine control, the IT world, and the Internet of Things (IoT), using fundamentally new, open software architecture. The ctrlX AUTOMATION platform includes advanced controller and drive hardware components, state-of-the-art software technologies for implementing IoT, artificial intelligence, security, and connectivity solutions for all PLC and motion tasks.
The platform’s foundation is its Linux real-time operating system, which is considered the most stable and secure of its kind. Thanks to the container technology of the operating system, all functions and applications can be mapped with separate apps and combined as desired.
Openness, simplicity, and safety in automation
Platforms like ctrlX AUTOMATION are taking a new, smartphone-inspired approach to programming automation functions. Just as society now uses apps to individually adapt smartphones to a user’s needs, automation OEMs and end-users can now do the same.
Machine builders can choose apps from the automation platform provider and use apps from third-party suppliers or even apps created by OEMs or end-users in the food processing and packaging industry, thereby expanding the range of options supported to meet specific and unique operational needs. Existing code can also be integrated as an app for real-time and non-real-time applications. There is a free choice of programming language; C++, Python, Java, and many more are supported.
How fresh food automatically has a longer shelf life
A leading supplier of e-commerce intralogistics technologies has upgraded its robotic technology to leverage multiple ctrlX AUTOMATION capabilities. CIMCOROP GROUP has developed robotic solutions for order processing and warehousing in the food and beverage, retail, e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and postal services sectors. With CIMCORP’s robot solutions, companies from the food industry and other segments can specify and accelerate processes in order processing and shipping. For fresh food, this means that perishable products reach the market faster and have a longer shelf life, leading to less food waste.
CIMCORP’s robotic material handling systems for food processing and logistics operations, like this gantry robot, use the advanced capabilities of the ctrlX AUTOMATION platform to accelerate processes in order processing and shipping.
The company was an early partner and adopter of the ctrlX AUTOMATION platform and helped actively shape a specific solution for intralogistics. The core component here is the gantry robot used in various applications in their operations.
According to Jani Tuomola, Head of Machine Development at CIMCORP, the company already had a close business relationship with Bosch Rexroth, so they were well prepared to transition to ctrlX AUTOMATION.
“Bosch Rexroth had previously supplied control systems to CIMCORP, and we were always very happy with the quality of the products and the service and support offered,” he said.
CIMCORP realized multiple benefits from using the new platform as the automation controller for its gantry robot. The control cabinet space was reduced by 30%, and the arrangement of the control cabinet components was optimized to save space compared to the previous system.
The open control system for integrating IoT and security enabled CIMCORP to implement easy connections to logistics software. CIMCORP also uses the ctrlX CORE control platform, which is integrated into the drive in a space-saving manner, and the ctrlX MOTION software for Cartesian robots.
Bosch Rexroth
www.boschrexroth.com
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